Crock Pot Pork Chops And Potatoes For Two

So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same, friend, same. We’ve all been there: the hunger pangs hit, but the thought of a mountain of pots and pans makes you want to just order takeout. Well, put down that phone, because I’ve got a recipe that’s about to become your new best buddy: Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes for two. It’s cozy, it’s comforting, and it basically cooks itself while you do… well, whatever you want!

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Let’s be real, you’re not looking for a Michelin-star experience here; you’re looking for delicious food with minimal fuss. And this, my friend, is where this recipe shines brighter than a freshly cleaned crock pot. It’s **idiot-proof**, truly. Even I, a person known to burn water, haven’t messed this up. Seriously.

Not only is it ridiculously easy, but it’s also a “set it and forget it” dream. You dump a few things in, turn it on, and hours later, boom! Dinner is served. Plus, it’s perfect for two – meaning no mountains of leftovers unless you *want* them (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love pork chop leftovers?). Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor. What’s not to love?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Alright, gather your troops! These are the simple heroes of our story:

• 2 Bone-in or Boneless Pork Chops: Aim for about 1-inch thick. Thin chops are just sad and dry out too quickly in the slow cooker.
• 1 lb Small Potatoes: Think baby reds, Yukon golds, or even small new potatoes. Halve them if they’re a bit chunky. No peeling necessary, because we’re all about efficiency!
• 1 Small Yellow Onion: Roughly chopped. Adds a lovely sweetness as it slow cooks.
• 2-3 Cloves Garlic: Minced. Or more, if you believe in the magic of garlic (which you should).
• 1 cup Chicken Broth: Low sodium is always a good call so you can control the saltiness.
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil: For a quick sear, if you’re feeling fancy.
• Seasoning Blend:
  • 1 tsp Paprika (smoked paprika, if you’re feeling adventurous!)
  • ½ tsp Dried Thyme or Rosemary
  • ½ tsp Garlic Powder
  • Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste (be generous!)
• Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley or chives, because even lazy meals can look pretty.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Veggies & Chops: Wash and halve your potatoes. Roughly chop your onion and mince your garlic. Pat your pork chops dry with a paper towel – this helps the seasoning stick!
2. Season the Pork Chops: In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, dried thyme/rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this glorious blend all over both sides of your pork chops. Don’t be shy!
3. Quick Sear (Optional, but Recommended!): Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side until beautifully browned. This step **adds a ton of flavor** and a nice crust. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
4. Layer in the Crock Pot: Place the halved potatoes at the bottom of your slow cooker. Scatter the chopped onion and minced garlic over the potatoes.
5. Add the Chops & Broth: Nest the seared pork chops on top of the vegetables. Pour the chicken broth over everything.
6. Set It and Forget It!: Cover your crock pot and cook on **LOW for 6-8 hours** or on **HIGH for 3-4 hours**. The cooking time can vary, so keep an eye on it towards the end.
7. Serve It Up: Once the pork chops are tender (they should shred easily with a fork) and the potatoes are soft, it’s ready! Dish it out, maybe sprinkle with some fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy, and bask in the glory of your culinary genius.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Sear: I know, I said it was optional. But honestly, it makes a world of difference. That caramelization is pure flavor gold. Don’t be a rookie!
• Overcooking Your Chops: Dry pork chops are a culinary tragedy. If you have a meat thermometer, the pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Slow cookers can vary, so **don’t go too far over the suggested cooking time**.
• Too Much Liquid: Don’t drown your dinner! A cup of broth is usually plenty. You’re making pork chops and potatoes, not pork chop soup.
• Poking and Peeking Too Often: Every time you lift that lid, you’re letting out precious heat and extending the cooking time. Resist the urge!

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling creative? Or just missing an ingredient? No worries, we can totally improvise:

• Protein Swap: No pork chops? Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would be a fantastic substitute! They stay super moist in the slow cooker.
• Veggies Galore: Add some sliced carrots, bell peppers, or even mushrooms to the mix for extra nutrients and flavor. Just make sure denser veggies go in with the potatoes.
• Broth Boost: A splash of dry white wine instead of some broth can add an extra layer of sophistication (or just a nice tang!).
• Herb Power: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme sprigs are always a win if you have them. Just toss them in at the beginning. IMHO, fresh is always best!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Got questions? I’ve got (casual) answers!

Can I use thin-cut pork chops? Well, technically yes, but I really, *really* don’t recommend it for slow cooking. They’ll dry out super fast and become tough. Stick to those thicker chops, you won’t regret it.

Do I *have* to sear the pork chops? Look, I’m not your mom, but yes. Yes, you do. Or at least, you should. It takes literally 5 minutes and adds so much depth of flavor. It’s called the Maillard reaction, and it’s delicious science.

Can I double this recipe for more people? Absolutely! Just make sure your slow cooker is big enough to hold everything comfortably without being too packed. You might need to add a little extra broth, but not too much.

What if I don’t have chicken broth? Water works in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be as rich. You could also dissolve a bouillon cube in hot water for a quick broth substitute. FYI, don’t use beef broth unless you want a different flavor profile!

How do I know when the pork chops are done? They should be incredibly tender and easily pull apart with a fork. For food safety, pork reaches doneness at 145°F (63°C). The potatoes should be fork-tender too!

Can I add other spices or sauces? Heck yeah! A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, a dash of Worcestershire sauce for umami, or even a dollop of Dijon mustard in the broth. Experiment and make it your own!

Final Thoughts

And there you have it! A ridiculously easy, incredibly tasty Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes dinner for two. You just made a masterpiece with minimal effort, freeing up your evening for important things like binge-watching, reading a book, or just existing comfortably on the couch. Now go impress someone – or just yourself – with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it!